The men's tennis team is coming off a tough week. The Lions lost both of their Big Ten matches last week, and now return home to face Temple.

But, whereas Penn State knew what to expect of the Big Ten teams, the Owls are a bit of an unknown. The only thing they are sure of is that they will be tested in some shaky areas.

"We haven't had the opportunity to see them play," Coach Jan Bortner said. "In this case, we don't know anything about them this year."

Penn State will play Temple at 3 p.m. today at the Penn State Indoor Tennis Club. The Lions can expect a good competition, especially in an area where the team has been somewhat inconsistent -- doubles. Facing a traditionally good Temple doubles team, the shaky Lions will have to step up to win.

"(It'll) be important for us to get a good start off in the doubles," Bortner said.

When it comes to doubles, one never knows what to expect of the Lions. Last week, Doug Schoenly and last-minute replacement Brett Pollak upset their Iowa opponents. But the No. 16-ranked team of Michael Carter and Chad Skorupka, who have become a mainstay of the team, lost both their Big Ten matches.

"If we're going to have good results against Temple, we've got to try to get them back on track," Bortner said.

In singles play, Penn State is a little more consistent. Ivan Spinner, the only player to win his match in Minnesota, and Carter, who brought the Iowa match down to the final set, will both be an advantage for the Lions.

Despite the problems last week and the threat Temple poses as an unknown and traditionally good team, Penn State is going into the match quite confident.

"I expect to win -- the whole team, including myself," Carter said.